The two snapped out of their reverie and looked away, flustered. The door suddenly looked interesting. Before they could address the almost-sweet kiss, Weiss opened the door to let the herbalist inside. The guest panted as the door closed behind her.
"Did you run here?" Weiss asked as she guided her over to the two bags resting on her massive bed.
"I was - on the other side… of the house…" the new arrival panted and gasped when she noticed the vibrant lilac petals. "I can't believe you found them... Winter's right."
Yang stared at the new arrival. She was short, a little taller than Weiss. She had a simple brunette ponytail that bounced when she moved. How far did she have to run? Home girl is heaving.
"Of course she was right," Weiss said and handed her the plastic bag full of herbs."Don't doubt her, Jen."
"Never again," Jen said breathlessly and secured the bag around her back with the precious valuables inside. "The antidote will be ready in an hour. Master Jacques is still in his study."
Does everyone try to avoid him, or is it only Weiss? And she helps her? That's good. I'm glad she's not alone in this huge place.
"We'll be with Whitley," Weiss informed and opened the door for them.
Jen speed-walked out the door, clutching the precious herbs. "I'll be as quick as possible."
Rather than follow her down the hall, Weiss took a left turn. Yang dawdled behind her, absorbing the atmosphere. The only pictures on the wall were of Jacques and his pointy mustache. White surrounded the walls, floors, and ceiling as they trickled down the hall.
Add big ego to the list.
"How long has Jen been here? She's the miracle healer, huh?" Yang asked.
Weiss nodded and noted her companion was looking around. "We hired her when my mom got sick a few years ago, and she never left," Weiss said with a small smile. "There's nothing about herbs Jen doesn't know."
She's never mentioned her mom, Yang thought.
"Is your mom… gone?" Yang asked in the silence.
"She passed a few years ago," Weiss said solemnly. "We knew her days were numbered."
I don't know what's worse, watching someone you love die slowly or what happened to mine… sudden.
"Mine's not around, either," the blonde added.
They had more things in common than originally thought. Eventually, they came upon a staircase the size of a mountain. They ascended two flights before Weiss took a right turn.
"I'd get lost if you weren't my guide. I'd need a map," Yang mentioned, gazing at a grand piano centered in a living space. "You play?"
"No one uses it," Weiss said with bitterness. "It's there to exist and nothing else. He could have donated to a charity instead, but would rather show off his wealth."
And here I thought this place was dull. It's full of a narcissistic character… and she hates it. Can't blame her.
They passed several doors before Weiss finally stopped at the end of the hall. She turned the knob and opened the door before walking inside.
"Klein!"
Who? Yang thought as she watched her and a short man hug. Aw, he gets a hug? Where's mine?
After Weiss excitedly exclaimed the name, Yang shut the door behind them and locked the door.
Can't be too cautious.
"My snowflake," Klein greeted and stared at the sun hat, perking a brow. "I knew you could do it, what happened? Tell me all about it."
Yang chirped from across the room. "It's a long story."
Weiss gazed at her blonde companion and grinned. "I found her along the way. Has Whitley's condition changed?"
On a spacious couch, laid a gaunt boy with cherry cheeks and white powdery hair. A thin sheet covered him as his chest heaved underneath. Sweat coated his body and his face twisted in pain.
"I don't know how much longer he can stay like this," Klein said, beyond worried. "If anyone can cure him, it's Jen. Try not to fret, you succeeded, snowflake. This nightmare is almost over."
It's not over till he receives the medicine, Yang thought, watching Weiss' worried expression.
Weiss sat on the couch next to her brother. She wiped his bangs away from his closed eyes. "Just a little longer, Whit. And when you're better, we'll eat Klein's crepes and make father pay for what he's done. He won't get away with this."
While the siblings took a moment, Yang joined her companion's side and reached out a hand to the man. "I forgot to say, I'm Yang. Nice to meet you, papa Klein!"
"Yang," Weiss scolded as Yang sat next to her on the couch.
"What?" The blonde asked mischievously. "We'll be married one day, might as well start calling him that now."
From her joking, Weiss lightheartedly slapped her on the shoulder. "Ignore her."
Klein shook her hand and noted the strong grip. It wasn't often that Weiss brought home a friend - or whatever she was to her.
"Any friend of Weiss' is a friend of mine," Klein warmly said. "You girls must be starving. I'll make you a big lunch. Please, rest here for the time being. Master Jacques hasn't left his study today. It's best to avoid the east wing. He's in a foul mood."
"What's new," Weiss sighed and met his eyes. "Thank you, Klein."
The second Klein left the room and shut the door, Yang sent her a shit-eating grin. "Snowflake?"
Embarrassed, Weiss bumped onto her. "Don't act like you don't have nicknames, firecracker."
After Yang giggled, she gazed down at the patient behind them. "How much younger is he than you? Poor guy needs a few burgers when he's better."
While Weiss adjusted the cold cloth on his forehead, she said. "He's two years younger. He still doesn't have the energy to wake up, much less eat."
Yang noticed one of his toes wasn't covered under the blanket, so she fiddled with the sheet and wrapped it around him securely. Weiss watched her handle her brother with great care as heat rose to her cheeks. This blonde brawler was so brutal on the battlefield, but calm and gentle like a feather now. When Yang leaned back up after he was tucked in, Weiss captured her lips with her own in a bold move Yang thought was incredibly sexy.
I can't believe she's real and I get to kiss her to boot?!
It was a surprise and caught Yang off guard, but she melted into the kiss as they sat side-by-side. They stayed like that for a while as their hearts raced. Their lips were cold and chapped from the rough day, but tasted sweet like rich honey. It couldn't be more perfect.
When Weiss pulled away, Yang was left to stare and lick her lips, savoring her taste.
"How bold, ice princess."
"Agh," Weiss was flustered and looked away. "I didn't- that wasn't-"
"I didn't say I didn't like it."
She's way too cute with how flustered she is.
Lilac and azure met warmly. Before Weiss could reply, the door flew open. Fortunately, it was Jen who rushed inside with a steaming bowl in hand.
"That was so fast!" Yang exclaimed and stood.
Weiss followed and backed away from the couch to let the herbalist work.
"Anything for master Whitley," Jen said and stood next to him.
The girls watched the warm, lilac liquid in the bowl. The steam almost cleared their sinuses. It was acute and probably tasted bitter.
"It smells like tea," Yang commented as she watched the warm liquid trickle down his parched throat. "Is that all he needs?"
"He'll wake up soon," Jen informed as she poured every last drop into his mouth slowly. "He'll be weak when he does. I expect a full recovery in a week or so."
That's when Weiss threw her arms around her. The herbalist wrapped her arms around her and melted into the embrace.
"Thank you," Weiss whispered genuinely. "Your efforts won't go unrewarded."
"Seeing him out and about will be enough," Jen replied and sighed in relief. "I'll prepare your medicine next, Miss Schnee," she took off the sun hat with a smirk. "The hat's not fooling anyone. You have stitches?"
Yang chimed before she could answer. "Twelve."
Weiss resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Nothing gets by you. It's kind of annoying."
"We tried," Yang shrugged.
Jen approached the blonde with a curious gaze. She adjusted her glasses. "What about you? The way you move tells me your ribs hurt."
She lives up to her reputation, blonde eyebrows perked. "The doc said a few are bruised. It's nothing I can't handle."
"Nonsense," Jen dismissed and gathered the empty bowl. "I have a remedy for that. It'll numb the pain for a time. Wait here."
After Jen left, the girls shared a look.
"Your ribs hurt?" Weiss asked in worry. "Did that happen when the giant bat decked you, and you hit the wall? I was amazed you could stand after that."
"That was it," Yang revealed with a sigh, almost having a flashback. "All because I couldn't move outta the way fast enough."
"You should've said something," Weiss said softly, feeling guilty she was so focused on escaping than noticing her companion was hurt. "We can-"
The door suddenly opened and Klein announced his arrival.
"I bring gifts."
Plates full of steaming food wafted into the cold room. The girls sat at the coffee table on a criminally soft rug. Klein was efficient andset out every plate on the large coffee table in the middle of the room. Turkey, chicken, and dozens of different vegetables and fruits teased them.
"You spoil us!" Yang said with twinkling eyes.
"Please, dig in," Klein implored.
While Yang stabbed a piece of ham and chicken, Weiss looked up at him.
"Thank you."
"No need for that," Klein replied. "I'll be on the eighth floor to clean. Call if you need anything."
After the door closed, Yang almost drooled. "Oh my god… Do you normally eat like this?"
"Normally I'm alone."
"Food is best when shared with others."
"Indeed," Weiss replied and grabbed a chicken wing.
The girls focused on eating as their stomachs slowly filled. After Yang ate a strawberry, a tiny burst of flavor made her groan in happiness. Weiss devoured her second cucumber sandwich. Normally, she ate slowly but she realized just how starved she was and popped a dozen grapes.
"How do you prefer your eggs?" Weiss asked as she watched Yang eat an entire boiled egg in one bite.
"Scrambled, but boiled is delish on occasion like now. Agh, I don't normally eat like a vacuum. I'm not like this in public I swear. You won't be embarrassed of me on a date," Yang said and a tiny burp slipped out. "Oof, excuse me. That made more room," she said and had a few scoops of peas.
That made Weiss giggle and she finished an entire water bottle. "Ah," she said in satisfaction. "Why couldn't we bring all this to that wretched cave?"
"I would've carried all of it," Yang said as she leaned back, content as she patted her belly. "What were we thinking?"
"Nothing, obviously."
At last, the plates were empty with mostly scraps left. A few minutes passed, so Weiss stood to check on her brother's condition. She sat on the couch beside him and held the back of her hand to his forehead. He was still unnaturally warm, but his breaths were less desperate.
"He looks a little better already," Yang observed. "Can't imagine how relieved you must feel."
Now that they knew he would be okay, Weiss released a yawn as she stared down at him with fond eyes. "How are you so troublesome?"
Yang sat on the couch and patted the spot next to her. "That's what youngest siblings are for."
Gradually, Weiss leaned onto her companion and released a tiny sigh. "I'm full and exhausted."
"You can say that again," the blonde replied as she enjoyed the fullness feeling in her stomach. "Why don't you take a lil nap? It's not like he's going anywhere."
When she looked down, she noted Weiss' eyes were closed as she leaned onto her shoulder. That didn't take long for Weiss to fall asleep.
I'm that comfy, huh?
Yang smiled from the sight and coaxed her to lay down by her brother. The uninjured side of her head rested on a fluffy pillow. Gently, Yang draped the sheet over her. They were both small, so they fit under the same blanket. Now that Yang had a moment to herself, she was starting to feel the effects of today as well. Her body felt like lead now that her stomach was full and satisfied. Since the couch looped around the entire room, Yang simply sat on the other end and let her thoughts overtake her mind.
Maybe I should keep watch. The chances Jackass could walk in aren't zero. For a few minutes, Yang fought to stay awake and kept her eyes on the door. She ended up nodding off for who knows how long in a haze that felt like remnants of a dream.
Eventually, a small, unfamiliar voice lingered.
"Weiss…? What'd you do… you fool…?"
Yang shook her head and leaned up to find the voice. Whitley was weakly combing his fingers through his sleeping sister's hair. Part of them lingered on the bandage wrapped around her head. Yang stood and looked down at him.
"She risked her life for you."
"What's wrong with her?" he asked, rather than questioning why this stranger was in his home.
"You're astute for almost dying," Yang replied.
Whitley shot her a scowl that reminded her of Weiss. "I feel better. It's slight, but noticeable."
"She fought like hell to get the Zestiria's," Yang whispered softly and felt his forehead. "Your fever's down."
"What a reckless sis you are," Whitley mumbled.
He smoothed a thumb over her cheek. The feather-like touch caused Weiss to stir with a groan and blink her eyes open. It was sobering to find azure staring back.
"You're up!" Weiss blurted and shot up. "How are you feeling? Are you hungry? Do you want something to drink? How about-"
"I'm better thanks to you," Whitley said to calm her and smack his tongue. "I'd like something sweet to mask this bitterness."
Smoothly, Yang pushed down on her companion's shoulder to keep her seated, The blonde sauntered over to the coffee table and grabbed a fresh drink of sweet tea neither of them drank during the feast.
"Hope you like peach," Yang said and handed him the glass.
"Hm," Whitley hummed and leaned up with his sister's help. He sipped the tea, finding it delectable. "Did you hire her to be our next housekeeper?"
"No, Whitley," Weiss said lightheartedly and cleared her throat. "This is my girlfriend, Yang."
Lilac eyes widened from how easily she said that. Yang stood there, frozen in shock and awe. Did she say that? Did she really say that? She's giving me a chance? How's that possible-
Amused by her reaction, Whitley smirked. "I think you broke her brain."
Hope you liked this one! I don't have another story lined up right now. Maybe later?
Remember to stay dandy, dandelions,
~Toto